NL West

Now Commenting On:

Angels are quieter on the basepaths

Angels are quieter on the basepaths

Email

Print

By William Boor
/
MLB.com |

ANAHEIM -- Not only are the Angels having trouble keeping their opposition from stealing bases, but the club is also experiencing difficulties stealing bases themselves -- despite manager Mike Scioscia's aggressive philosophy.

Entering Tuesday, the Angels ranked 20th in the Majors with just 30 stolen bases -- 15 of which came courtesy of team leader Mike Trout.

While ranking in the bottom half of the league is a long stretch from the No. 5 ranking the Angels finished with a season ago, Scioscia is keeping it in perspective.

"Part of it is we had some guys that were banged up, some of our team speed," Scioscia said. "Erick [Aybar] was banged up and missed some time. Peter [Bourjos] missed some time."

While the Angels no longer have Maicer Izturis and his 17 stolen bases from 2012, Scioscia also feels part of the decline is the league taking notice to the 134 bases -- 49 by Trout -- that the Angels stole a season ago.

"Other teams are definitely paying more attention," Scioscia said.

Despite the slow start, Scioscia thinks everything will even out, saying Trout's numbers will be "comparable to last year" when all is said and done.

The Angels manager also believes Bourjos can increase his stolen bases.

Bourjos stole 22 bases in 2011, but managed to swipe just three bags in '12 and has only stolen three this season -- although he did miss significant time while on the disabled list.

"As far as straight steals, there's no doubt that once he finds a comfort level, he has the ability to steal more bases," Scioscia said.

William Boor is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.